Together fully alive in Jesus

Sermon Sunday, March 16, 2014

In this chapter Samuel says “Goodbye”.
He was the leader, he is aging and Saul is now the new sheriff in town. I’ve seen situations like this where the person used the ‘goodbye’ platform to talk about their successes or to scold their competition or blame others for whatever failure was connected to their time in office. Samuel resists the usual trappings of a goodbye speech. He has two things on his mind and chief among them is that God’s people draw even closer to the One who loves them most. Samuel proves himself a godly leader in and out of office.

Describe a time when a leader or family member said “Goodbye”. What impact did that have on you?

Samuel’s first move was to receive any charges against him for taking advantage of people during his time as leader of Israel. Why would he do this? What was the response? What would it look like for you to do this?

Samuel’s second move was to bring charges from God against His people. What were those charges?

The people are convicted of their sin, they are guilty as charged, and they are afraid. What is Samuel’s response to their fear? If you, today, were feeling guilty about something in your life, what would those words “For the sake of His Great Name…” mean to you?

Several times Samuel says “Fear the LORD, serve Him with all your heart, don’t turn to empty gods…” How do those instructions take shape in your life these days?